“The truth, according to this remarkable album, is that Ruthie Foster is one of America’s finest soul-blues artists… a full-on blast of soul and blues… The combination of a talented band, powerful songs, and Foster’s roaring gospel-inspired vocals leaves Truth with no weak spots among its dozen tracks. If this one doesn’t elevate Foster to the next level of popularity, it’s impossible to imagine what will.”
~Blues Revue

Last Sunday Afternoon

When you love music as much as I do, working on a weekly blog certainly has its limitations. There’s so much amazing music (past and present) that I enjoy listening to, I only wish I had time to generate more posts. Last spring one of those releases I heard but never got the opportunity to write about was Ruthie Foster’s album The Truth According to Ruthie Foster. Her energetic spirit and vocal prowess is absolutely wonderful. So when I heard the news of Foster’s Grammy nomination alongside performers such as Susan Tedeschi, Mavis Staples, Robert Cray and Derek Trucks for Best Contemporary Blues Album at this year’s upcoming awards, my interest in this extremely talented artist was rejuvenated.

Since it was unusually warm this past weekend, the atmosphere and good timing gave me an idea to do something that was long overdue…

I walked upstairs and went into the living room. My golden retriever Lucille was curled up basking in a spot on the carpet where the early afternoon sun shined brightly. Noticing I was staring, she nonchalantly glanced up at me with a tranquil gaze as if to say, ”Please tell me today is the day?”

With such a hectic schedule as of late, Lucille hasn’t been getting the exercise she’s used to, and I was determined to make it up to her. With an animated smile, she briskly headed for the front door as I displayed the leash that I was hiding behind my back… With my MP3 player in hand, Foster’s upbeat funky tune “Stone Love,” started to play as Lucille and I began our invigorating walk down the sun drenched avenue.

Ruthie Foster

is originally from Gause, Texas. Raised in a household with gospel roots, she was also exposed to a lot of jazz and blues. Foster always knew music was in her blood, even before her first appearance as a 14 year old soloist in her uncle’s choir. Moving to Waco Texas to attend McClennan Community College, she mixed music classes and audio engineering with visits to clubs at night. In her early teens Foster led a blues band in biker bars and other various settings from Dallas to San Antonio. In the late eighties Foster join the Navy and worked with an ensemble called Pride, where she traveled around at recruitment drives playing funk hits.

Foster moved to New York in 1990 and immersed herself in the folk scene and eventually landed a deal with Atlantic Records. But the label didn’t share her vision of what kind of artist she should be. Family obligations would bring her back to Texas, where she re-connected with her roots and put together a string of new material that would get her work both in a band setting and as a solo artist.

“It didn’t matter to me what genre it was,” she remembers. “I just took it all in as great music – music that moved me.”

In 1997 Foster released the album Full Circle before teaming up with Blue Corn Music, and then released Crossover in 1999, Runaway Soul in 2002, Stages (featuring a series of live tracks) in 2004, Heal Yourself in 2006 and The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster in 2008.

The Truth According to Ruthie Foster

Recorded in Memphis at Ardent Studios with the assistance from players such as guitarist Robben Ford, (The Yellowjackets, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell) well known Memphis keyboardist Jim Dickinson (the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin), organist Charles Hodges (Al Green, Ann Peebles) and the Memphis Horns. This latest release is Ruthie Foster’s most catchy and successful work to date. And with a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album, the truth has never looked brighter.

Later Sunday Night

Most of the tunes featured on this album are influenced by early soul, gospel, funk and R&B. And as I look back with Lucille now contently snoring next to me, it seemed like the stress of everyday life were washed away at least for that moment during our afternoon jaunt… Ruthie Foster’s perspective on music is something that many of my readers have heard me say time and time again. In Ruthie’s words, “Music is a healer. It’s energy. And it goes into everything…”

If you are unfamiliar with Ruthie Foster then I can’t recommend this awesome album enough. It may just end up making your day. It sure did for me and my faithful hound… For more information and concert dates you can go to Ruthie Foster’s website by clicking here.

What do you think? Is Ruthie going to bring home the award on January 31st? Your comments are welcome.

The Blues Blogger

“An engaging, updated introduction to the world of Chicago blues… Captures the musical spirit of the city and traces its development through the past 50 years. This album celebrates the past by breathing new life into it. ” ~ PopMatters

On Sunday January 31st, 2010

they’ll be handing out the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. There are two categories: Best Contemporary Blues Album & Best Traditional Blues Album that for the most part relate to this blog… I wanted to briefly mention one of this year’s Grammy nominees – Raisin’ Music’s Chicago Blues: A Living History. Produced by Larry Skoller, this extraordinary and fresh voyage through blues history is sure to generate some cool moments for most fans of the blues. It’s also a terrific collection for those who are new to the genre and looking for a vibrant and entertaining reference to Chicago’s distinctive blues history.

During the late 40s and early 50s, a change of style from the Mississippi Delta sound was taking place which eventually saw the Chicago music scene as the dominant voice of the blues. This was mostly due to the migration of thousands of African-American farm workers from the south to the industrial cities of the north like Detroit and Chicago during World War II. In search of a better life, a number of talented blues musicians like Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker were part of that historic trip north.

Nominated For Best Traditional Blues Album

Chicago Blues: A Living History

came together in April of 2009 when local veterans Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer, Billy Branch and Lurrie Bell successors of the Chicago Blues landscape teamed up to pay tribute to the evolution of Chicago Blues from 1940-1991. Together they lead a fantastic group on songs made famous by legends like Big Bill Broonzy, Elmore James, Willie Dixon and Buddy Guy just to name a few. During this past summer of 2009, the band toured Europe and played to packed crowds at fifteen major music festivals in seven countries.

The Living History Band

Billy Flynn – Guitar
Matthew Skoller – harmonica
Johnny Iguana – Keyboards
Felton Crews – bass
Kenny “Beedy-Eyes” Smith – drums

Special Guests

Carlos Johnson – guitar and vocals
Mike Avery – vocals

I believe we can all learn something about life and communication by exploring the history of the blues. Any natural art forms’ roots should always be recognized and we need to acknowledge the historical context which blues developed. All popular music today is based on the blues and without that knowledge people are missing out on the fundamental aspects like jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, soul and R&B which derived from it. Its down-home honest/raw energy is medicine for the soul. The music assembled on this disc can’t help but make you feel good…

I’ll resist the temptation to elaborate further and let the music and videos featured in this post speak for itself… I know I’ll be paying close attention to this category come Grammy time on Sunday January 31, 2010. If you’re interested in further information and band bios you can go to Chicago Blues: A Living History website by clicking here…

Do you have any favorite Chicago blues artists which are featured on this disc? Please feel free to add your comments below. Your input will further enhance the post and is always appreciated.

The Blues Blogger

Inside the Car

I was anxiously tapping my fingers on the steering wheel… My wife waved to her mother who was looking out the front window alongside our son and dog. Often the challenges of everyday life make it hard to configure moments alone with your spouse. It had been a while since we had an evening to ourselves and we were giddy like two high school kids. Glancing at the side view mirror, I was cautioned not to make our eagerness too evident. Just then my foot floored the accelerator and we squealed away leaving behind a gust of dust that signified our escape.

As we got outside the city, I placed Robert Cray’s latest release This Time in the CD player. Both my wife and I always enjoyed Cray’s music and have seen him in concert several times. Glancing through the album last week, I knew we were both in for a treat… The overcast sky and the off again on again rain didn’t play a negative factor. As we continued to breeze down the soggy road, Cray’s new album would act as the soundtrack to our getaway. It set the tone beautifully.

The opening track “Chicken in the Kitchen” gets things off to a great start with a funky blues groove. Things slow down a bit with the ballad I Can’t Fail before kicking it up with the soulful Love 2009. Yes, his first release in five years was sounding great, and the smooth energetic feel continued on songs like That’s What Keeps Me Rockin.’ (easily my favorite tune on this new record.) I always knew Cray had a great voice, but it really shines this time around. I was getting hooked as Cray’s guitar playing along with Jim Pugh’s keyboards generated some really dazzling exchanges. Some of the more poignant songs like To Be True, the title track This Time and the closer Truce help give a nice balance that covers not only blues, but blends soul, R&B and other music genres with cool vibrant ease.

Robert Cray

was born Aug 1, 1953 in Columbus Georgia, and started playing guitar in his teens. He was inspired to form his own band after seeing performances of some of his idols like Albert Collins, Freddie King and Muddy Waters. While growing up Cray also discovered his father’s record collection, further fueling his love for blues and several other music genres. Teaming up with friend and bassist Richard Cousins, they began playing college towns on the West Coast. This would eventually lead to an invite by Albert Collins to perform as his backing unit.

“Blues is one of the foundations of our music, but it’s not all that we play,” Cray says. “When I first started playing guitar, I wanted to be George Harrison – that is, until I heard Jimi Hendrix. After that, I wanted to be Albert Collins and Buddy Guy and B.B. King. And then there are singers like O.V. Wright and Bobby Blue Bland. It’s all mixed up in there.”

Since then Cray has released 17 award winning multi-platinum albums, received 13 Grammy nominations and performed thousands of sold-out shows worldwide. He even had an unaccredited role as a bassist in a scene from National Lampoons Animal House in 1978.

Recently reuniting with Cousins for the first time since his departure in 1991, Cray seems to have come full circle through a road filled with many amazing accomplishments. The reunion of Cousins and Pugh with the addition of veteran drummer Tony Braunagel, whose past experience with Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’ and B.B. King solidified the current band and helped create some tasty new material. Cray, who also produced This Time for his imprint label Nozzle Records and distributed by Vanguard Records, has managed to capture some wonderful moments on this recording. I highly recommend getting a copy, it may very well make your day that much brighter.

Several Hours Passed

as we approached our destination, it barely felt like 60 minutes. We unpacked and immediately took in the seclusion away from the lights and sometimes aggravating sounds of summer in the city. We hiked, relaxed and then did some cookin of our own… In the evening we sat beside the fire and unwound… Yes, it’s wonderful to get a moment alone with the one you love. It’s important because every time my wife and I manage such rare occasions together, it reminds us of how much we truly dig each other.

The night’s sky was clearing and after several peaceful drinks, my wife went to the car, opened the hatch and put on one last Robert Cray song as an encore for the night. At a comfortable volume she cued up That’s What Keeps Me Rockin’… Under the stars, we danced blissfully and embraced as the fire burned brightly into the twilight evening’s air.

Back At Home

So there you have it. Now you know what I was up to this past weekend… How about you? Any moments that sparked your attention? Have you had the opportunity to listen to Robert Cray’s latest album This Time? Any moments in Cray’s illustrious musical career that strikes a chord with you? As usual your comments are always welcome.

TheBluesBlogger

The Robert Cray Band Tour Schedule

Below are some upcoming tour dates dates. Get out there if you have the opportunity. Cray and his band are great to witness live and the latest tour is getting fantastic reviews… For more information you can go to Robert Cray’s homepage by clicking here.

AUGUST

08-16-09 Paramount Theatre Charlottesville, Virginia
08-19-09 DTE Energy Music Theatre Clarkson, Michigan
08-22-09 Last Ride Blues Festival Thief River Falls, Minnesota
08-24-09 The Pabst Theater Milwaukee, Wisconsin
08-25-09 Englert Theatre Iowa City, Iowa
08-27-09 Limestone City Blues Festival Kingston, Ontario
08-29-09 Roots Festival Paola, Kansas

SEPTEMBER

09-04-09 Naperville Last Fling Naperville, Illinois
09-05-09 Taste of Colorado Denver, CO
09-11-09 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR
09-12-09 Columbia Park West Kennewick, Washington
09-18-09 Main 1 Arts Center Medford, OR
09-19-09 Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Stateline, Nevada
09-20-09 Mountain Winery Saratoga, California
09-23-09 Belly Up Tavern Solana Beach, CA
09-24-09 The Coach House San Juan Capistrano, CA
09-26-09 Casino Ballroom Catalina Island, CA

OCTOBER

10-16-09 Sandler Center For Performing Arts Virginia Beach, Virginia

I Love Music!

These are the opening three words I wrote for TheBluesBlogger site. It was a year ago this weekend that I published my about me page and my first blog post. For the first time in many years, I had a lot of time to relax and reflect on my life. While in the hospital recovering from a heart attack last year, one thing I kept dwelling upon over and over again… “I want to write again.” With my love of music weaved together with my past and current experiences, I created the The Blues Blogger. The name was something I came up with one lonely scary night in the hospital… When I finally got home, and I checked on the domain, to my surprise it was available! You can click on the link to go to my about me page.

Throughout my life it was always music that inspired, motivated, energized and now soothes my soul. This past year, I’ve written about many past moments that have influenced me. There is another that I haven’t mentioned on this blog yet, but is an important flashback… I recall playing a game with my wife TBBW when she was pregnant with our son. An interesting yet simple game… We would play our favorite music and see whose tunes would get the baby to kick. I think TBBW would have to agree, that even in the womb, blues and jazz would get that little guy rocking… Its no wonder my son today shares both our passion for music…

Recently I was asked to write something regarding the upcoming release from Susan Tedeschi. I had listened to her music and was a fan, but wasn’t overly familiar with her work. I loved her collaboration on the song Too Many Tears on the latest Buddy Guy album Skin Deep. Her most recent labor of love, Back To The River, due on October 28th has made me pay close attention and realize her enormous talent… Like any typical Blues Blogger post, I needed to listen to her album and do a little research on Tedeschi’s background. As I was listening and reading about her life, I thought to myself how Tedeschi’s two children must really groove being brought up in a household where music was everywhere. And such sweet soulful and heartfelt sounds indeed! Does all this sound familiar?

Susan Tedeschi

was born on November 9, 1970 in Boston, but was raised in Norwell, Massachusetts. She was always musically inclined, making her public debut as a 5 year old understudy in a Broadway musical. She would also perform for family members, and enjoyed listening to her father’s vinyl record collection of such artists as Mississippi John Hurt and Lightnin’ Hopkins. Playing in bands since the age of 13, she started her first group at age 18 called the Smokin Section.

“I had a lot of influences in addition to Janis Joplin,” the singer said. “Buddy Holly, Freddy King, Bob Dylan, Mavis Staples were always being played by my parents. I’d be taken to the Newport Festival and see Muddy Waters and Lightnin’ Hopkins. My grandfather had an Irish bar and bands would play a lot of Irish songs there, especially IRA anthems. I was surrounded by music, and a lot of it wasn’t the usual top 40 stuff.”

Her father played acoustic guitar and harmonica and encouraged Susan and her two brothers to play and sing along. There always seemed to be music being played in the Tedeschi household and Susan’s love of music would come naturally.

Tedeschi attended Berklee College of Music and received her bachelor of music in composition and performance. During those days, she began sitting in with local blues jams at venues and absorbed herself in the Boston music scene.

In 1994 she formed the Susan Tedeschi Band and a year later she began playing guitar and further honed her skills. In 1997 the band was signed by Indy label Tone-Cool Records, and in February of 1998 released Just Won’t Burn, featuring guitarist Sean Costello. The album would go on to receive very positive reviews from blues publications and immediately turned Tedeschi into a rising national blues star.

Lilith Fair

In 1999 Tedeschi would find herself playing several dates in the all-woman traveling festival, Lilith Fair, organized by Sarah McLachlan. As she toured more extensively throughout the United States, her bold stage presence and powerful voice began to draw larger crowds. With a tremendous amount of hard work, Tedeschi was eventually opening for the likes of Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Taj Mahal and Bob Dylan.

Tedeschi’s 2000 Grammy nomination for best new artist strongly raised her profile. Her nomination put her along side rising stars such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Macy Gray and Kid Rock. This further led to major magazine and newspaper reviews. However, she would refuse to play the superstar game, and turned away from the music business rather than build on her Grammy momentum.

While on tour in 1999 she met slide guitarist Derek Trucks while opening for The Allman Brothers Band, and in 2001 they would get married. They have two children; Charles Khalil Trucks named for saxophonist Charlie Parker, guitarist Charlie Christian and poet Khalil Gibran, and Sophia Naima Trucks; her middle name picked as a tribute to a John Coltrane ballad. They reside in Jacksonville Florida which brings them home Back To The (St. John’s) River.

Their marriage coincided with the Tom Dowd produced 2002 release Wait For Me, where she received her second Grammy nomination. There was a live disc in 2004 and then the soulful Hope and Desire in 2005. On that disc Tedeschi concentrated on her vocal chops, choosing some great songs to cover and leaving the bulk of guitar work to her husband and Doyle Braham II. She also tours to rave reviews with Soul Stew Revival; a combination of members of The Derek Trucks Band and her own band with additional ingredients tossed in for good measure.

Back To The River

Three years in the waiting, this upcoming release focuses on Tedeschi’s songwriting abilities. She has co-written all but one of the eleven tracks on this outstanding project.

I’m hooked on this album. In today’s busy and fast times, it’s challenging for people to sit back, listen and just let things wash over you. But with this upcoming release, I made it a point to do just that! While listening to tracks from this album, I just went with the flow, and this article pretty much wrote itself. As a result, I’ve been deeply moved by this honest look at life and love through today’s emotional and sensitive times. Tedeschi has worked hard to get Back To The River to sound this good and it truly shows.

“These songs,” she says, “are about real life issues that have been on my mind. I don’t think it’s my job to impose my opinion on people, but I do feel it’s my responsibility to write songs that reflect the times and how I feel about them. Becoming a parent makes you start to think on a different scale, and it made me realize that you can write more than love songs. Even if a song can’t change the world, you can still capture a little tiny bit of truth and deliver it to people.”

My son who is now 13 has also become a fan. I’ve been hearing him play some of Tedeschi’s previous works that he has downloaded from my online music account. (He knows he should be asking me first- right Buddy?) Oh well, he’s just doing it because he thinks Tedeschi’s a “pretty cool lady.” I couldn’t agree more… I have this feeling my son would have been kicking up a storm even if he had heard her vibe over 13 years ago. Start spreading the news, because this is Susan Tedeschi’s most personal, creative and sincere work to date. You’re going to love it!

Upcoming Tour Dates:

November 2008

6 – Virginia Beach, VA – Sandler Center for Performing Arts
7 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live!
8 – Hartford, CT – University of Hartford
11 – Boston, MA – Berklee Performance Center
12 – New York, NY – Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza
14 – Albany, NY – Hart Theater
15 – Pittsburgh, PA – Byham Theatre
16 – Alexandria, VA – Birchmere
18 – Glenside, PA – Keswick Theatre
20 – Chicago, IL – Park West
21 – Minneapolis, MN – Pantages Theatre
22 – Madison, WI – Barrymore Theatre
24 – Indianapolis, IN – Vogue Theater
25 – Louisville, KY – Brown Theatre

Now It’s Time to Turn This Post Over To You

Are you a Susan Tedeschi fan? Have you ever seen this soulful blues rock artist at work? Any Tedeschi favorites you would like to share? Add your comments below…

The Blues Blogger